My Dearest Yami,

You did it!  You graduated High School and I could not be more proud of you!  From the moment I knew you were coming into this world I knew you were special!  I spoke to you everyday in your mothers tummy…and even though I thought you were a boy named Josiah, the moment you entered this world and I held you I knew what love really was!  You are my heart and you bring me so much joy!  You are my best friend and I love that I can talk to you daily even though we have so many miles between us!

You are more like me than we both like to admit!  I hope you get all of my ambition…all of my determination and you put it to good use!  Life is just beginning for you!  These are the greatest years of your life!  Live it to the fullest!  Make wise decisions and know that I am always just a text message or a phone call away!  Work hard but play harder.  Keep in contact with the friends you love!  Always put family first!  Go to concerts, travel when you can and enjoy the next step in adult hood!

I love spending time with you!  I wish I could see you every day!  Your hugs are infectious!  Your smile and laughter fills a room!  It all fills my heart!  I love you more than you could ever imagine! Stay strong and independent and never lower your standards for anyone!  Be unapologetically YOU forever!  I hope the little wisdom I have has somehow sunk in and made you wiser!  You are the brightest star in my sky and I absolutely cannot wait to see what you accomplish in the journey we call life!

Congratulations on all your hardwork to make it to this point!  I love you to the moon and back!  Forever in your corner and with the upmost love,

Your Father

Miguel Almeida Jr.